Whether you are a college graduate or are about to be, chances are you’ve heard “dress for success,” “sharpen your skills” and “pursue your passions.” While those are good reminders, we suggest you also keep these tips for job seekers.

Tips for Job Seekers

Here are the seven job-seeking suggestions in mind:

  1. Write a Killer Resume.
  2. Network Like Crazy.
  3. Be Willing to Start Small.
  4. Look in All the Right Places.
  5. Reach Out Before Applying.
  6. Clean Up Your Online Life.
  7. Practice Out Loud.

Write a Killer Resume:

First tip from the tips for job seekers is that you write a killer resume Because Your resume is your first impression, so make it a good one. While it sounds simple, don’t include unnecessary or inappropriate information. You can leave out an objective, irrelevant work experience, political preference and a photo.

When you think your resume is ready, send it out to friends and family first. Ask for their honest opinion. Does your resume relay what you want it to? Is it clear, easy-to-read and accurate? Remember to include specific information and stats instead of bland keywords.

Network Like Crazy:

Regularly remind everyone you know that you are looking for work. Don’t assume someone will reach out to you. Be specific about what you are searching for and specifically ask if they know of any companies or people with a similar background as you.

Apply for jobs online and investigate any opportunity you find. Remember: everyone could be a potential lead. Treat everyday situations like networking opportunities and always be on the lookout.

Be Willing to Start Small:

Just because you have a degree doesn’t mean you’ll immediately get a high-paying job. You may have to start small and work your way up. If you can’t find an ideal position, consider taking an internship to gain more experience and work your way up in a company.

Look in All the Right Places:

Determine what area offers the best opportunity for you and your industry. For example, California is the nation’s leading industrial state, according to City-Data.com. Austin, Washington D.C. and San Francisco are the top three cities for job seekers in 2013, according to NerdWallet.com, a personal, financial and education recommendation site. Just like you are looking for right place, the company is also looking for the right peoples who can do good job and benefits the company.

Rankings were based on percent change in population, median income, unemployment rate, cost of living index and housing costs.

Reach Out Before Applying:

Before applying for your dream job, do some research? Learn about the company — what it does, its industry, who it hires etc. Then reach out to a current employee at the company. Message your target on LinkedIn and let him or her know you are interested in the company and would love some advice. It is the best tip for job seekers.

Ask what they love about their job, how they got there and if they have any industry job-seeking tips for you as a new graduate. Don’t mention the job posting. It’s likely they will respond with a reference and it will keep you from getting lost in the pile of applications.

Clean Up Your Online Life:

What social media and online networking mistakes are you making? Don’t think changing your privacy settings is all you have to do. Add a professional photo on Linked In – a missing photo could mean lost connections.

Update regularly and stay active in online forums and industry groups. Make sure you don’t tag yourself in inappropriate photos or posts. The resume is often your first impression.  What pops up in a Google or LinkedIn search is your second.

Practice Out Loud:

Companies tend to ask similar questions. What is your best description of yourself? Do you have any strengths or weaknesses? What makes you interested in working here? Though the questions seem easy, don’t assume you can just wing it.

Practice your response out loud. If possible, do a mock interview with friends or family. Don’t just practice for an interview, either. Consider networking scenarios, chance meetings and your elevator speech – a quick summary of your accomplishments, experience and aspirations.